Click on the picture to enlarge! Inverted Conditionals Conditionals are dependent clauses that begin with the word 'if': If we finish our homework , we can go to the beach. If a conditional phrase uses the verbs had, should, or were you can invert the subject and a verb. Take a look at these pairs of sentences: Normal : If I had finished my homework, I would have called you. Inverted : Had I finished my homework , I would have called you. Normal : If you should happen to see my wife, tell her I called. Inverted : Should you happen to see my wife , tell her I called. Normal : If he were really a good teacher, he would let us go early. Inverted : Were he really a good teacher , he would let us go early. Notice that the auxiliary (helping) verb is moved to the front, and the word 'if' is deleted. © 2002, Michael D. Turner Further Practice. Click below Theory and Practice Practice (pdf) Enjoy!